Gamefishing - Broadbill & night trolling tactics

By Grant Kirby

Anglers in New Zealand have probably harboured the odd thought about whether or not trolling at night time could be a possibility for targeting Broadbill. One particular technique that has caught on recently in New Zealand is that which stemmed from a technique developed in the early 1990's with great success by skippers fishing the North Kenya Banks. 

This early trolling technique was developed from using light sticks inserted into hard head lures, and the system has been further enhanced over time. 

731lb Broadbill taken trolling at night off the Middlesex Bank

The following is a brief overview of a typical Kenyan set-up: 

Lures

These typically are around 8 inch chugger types with either purple/black, blue/white colour combinations. A strip bait is usually added such as a squid or a belly flap from a small tuna. Two hook rigs are preferred, with the hooks offset typically 60 or 90 degrees depending on individual choice. Light sticks are attached to the trace approximately 3.5 m above the lure, and are attached so they do not slide up or down the trace. Using rubber bands at each end of the light stick is a good securing method. 

Lure Pattern

The most common set-up involves running 4 lures. This set-up is made up of one flailing, one down rigger, and one lure off each rigger. The rigger lures are placed some distance behind the boat. On the non-down rigger lures weights are sometimes added so the lure runs below the surface. The down rigger lure is typically set around 30-40m deep. 

Trolling Speeds 

These are typically between 3-5 knots and it’s interesting to note is that bright nights are not favoured. On these nights the down rigger lure is put as deep as possible.  Likely areas with structure are then slow trolled with either all or most of the boats lights turned off until after hookup.  

Tackle

Kenyan Broadbill tend to be on average smaller than their counterparts in New Zealand and are targeted on 15 and 24kg tackle with trace material of 100-150kg.  

For anglers targeting powerful Broadbill over 150kg, the above tackle requirements are generally insufficient and  most use a 37kg chair outfit with two-speed reel. Traces of 200-300kg or even larger are the norm and even with this tackle, lengthy battles can be expected.